Honors Biology Syllabus

HONORS BIOLOGY
Mrs. Winn
First Semester, 2007-2008
1st Period, 2nd Period, 7nd Period Room H-113
E-mail address: winnm@fulton.k12.ga.us
Textbook: Biology: Principles and Explorations, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2001
Cost of replacement textbook: $53.85
Course Description: The Biology curriculum continues students’ investigations of the life sciences that began in Grades K-8 (see Fulton County System-wide Science Vertical Instructional Framework.) The course is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become literate, knowledgeable, and proficient in biology. Biology extends the life sciences to more abstract concepts including interdependence of organisms, the relationship between matter, energy, and organisms, the behavior of organisms, and evolution. These concepts are investigated through laboratory experiences and fieldwork designed for students to develop appropriate knowledge and skills in science as inquiry.
There will be an end of the year course test (EOCT) covering material from both semesters. This test will be administered during the week of April 28-May 2, 2008. Students in all high school honors science classes must complete a literature review during the semester. Honors classes will move at a faster pace, will require more independent study, will study topics in greater depth, and will include more enrichment topics/activities than a regular class. Any students who aspire to participate in highly competitive summer programs offered on university campuses are encouraged to complete a science fair project.

Outcome Expectations: At the end of this course students should be able to:
1. Use appropriate scientific tools to observe, record, organize, analyze, interpret, write, and present the results of scientific investigations clearly and accurately.
2. Relate the importance of the chemistry of life to cellular structures and functions in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
3. Describe and explain the role of DNA and RNA in transfer of traits to successive generations under both asexual and sexual situations.
4. Explain the evolutionary basis of modern classification.
5. Trace the history of the theory of evolution and evaluate the role of natural selection in the
development of the theory.
6. Relate the complexity of organisms to how they obtain, transform, transport, release, and eliminate matter and energy.
7. Investigate and assess interdependence between organisms and the flow of matter within ecosystems.


Units of Study with Objectives:
I. Characteristics of Science Chapter 1 2.5 weeks
*Georgia Performance Standards initially addressed in this unit will be re-addressed on a regular basis throughout the year*
· GPS - SCSh1: Importance of curiosity, honesty, openness, and skepticism in science.
· GPS - SCSh2: Use standard safety practices in all scientific investigations
· GPS - SCSh3: Identify and investigate problems scientifically
· GPS - SCSh4: Use tools and instruments for observing and measuring in scientific investigations
· GPS - SCSh5: Demonstrate the computation and estimation skills necessary for analyzing data and developing reasonable explanations
· GPS - SCSh6: Communicate scientific investigations and information clearly.
· GPS – SCSh7: Students analyze how scientific knowledge is developed.
· GPS – SCSh8: Students will understand important features of the process of scientific inquiry.
· GPS – SCSh9: Students will enhance reading in all curriculum areas

II. Ecology Chapters 16-19 3.5 weeks

GPS – SB4: Assess the dependence of all organisms on one another and the flow of energy and matter within their ecosystems.

· SB4a: Investigate relationships among organisms, populations, communities, ecosystems, and biomes
· SB4b: Explain the flow of matter and energy through ecosystems by:
o Arranging components of a food chain according to energy flow.
o Comparing the quantity of energy in the steps of an energy pyramid.
o Explaining the need for cycling of major nutrients (C, O, H, N, P).
· SB4c: Relate environmental conditions to successional changes in ecosystems.
· SB4d: Assess and explain how human activities influence the environment and modify the environment such as global warming, population growth, pesticide use, and water and power consumption.
· SB4e: Relate plant adaptations, including tropisms, to the ability to survive stressful environmental conditions.
· SB4f: Relate animal adaptations, including behaviors, to the ability to survive stressful environmental conditions. (This includes some chapter 33 concepts)

III. Cells Chapters 2-5 7 weeks
· GPS - SB1: Analyze the nature of the relationship between structures and functions in living cells

· SB1a: Explain the role of cell organelles, including the cell membrane in maintaining homeostasis, for both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
· SB1b: Explain how enzymes function as catalysts. (Explain how enzymes relate to protein structure)
· SB1c: Identify the function of the four major macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids)
· SB1d: Explain the impact of water on life processes. (i.e., osmosis, diffusion)

· GPS – SB3: Students will derive the relationship between single-celled and multi-celled organisms and the increasing complexity of systems.
· SB3a: Explain the cycling of energy through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.
IV. Genetics and Heredity Chapters 6-11 6 weeks

· GPS - SB2: Analyze how biological traits are passed on to successive generations

· SB2c: Using Mendel’s laws, explain the role of meiosis in reproductive variability.
· SB2e: Compare the advantages of sexual and asexual reproduction in different situations.



Grade Determination: Fulton County Grading Scale will be used.
A = 100-90 B = 89-80 C = 79-70 Below 70 is failing

Tests 50 %
Laboratory reports 10 %
Laboratory portfolio quiz 10 %
Homework 8 %
Literature Review 7 %
Final Exam 15 %

Tests: A written test is given at the completion of a major unit. Tests include information from the textbook, class notes, lab activities, handouts, and demonstrations from the unit. Test make-up will be according to Fulton County Policy. Test make-ups should be scheduled individually with the teacher. A comprehensive final will be given at the end of this semester and will comprise 15% of the final average.

Laboratory Activities: Lab activities will be done approximately once a week. You will be responsible for prelab activities, performing the lab in class, and completing a lab report. At the end of the semester a lab portfolio quiz will be given based on the labs done in class. After each lab quiz you will be required to turn in your lab notebook, which will be checked for completion and accuracy. Labs missed must be made up promptly. See me for scheduling a lab make-up time.

Homework: Homework assignments will include readings from the textbook, questions from the textbook, and worksheets. You are allowed one late homework per semester (a reduced grade of 70% will be given for the one late homework). Additional late homework assignments will not be accepted.

Science Literature Review: During first semester, all honors science students are expected to investigate a question in science that relates to their biology curriculum, review the literature, and produce a report of their findings with parenthetical documentation and a works cited page.

Extra Help: Extra help is available and study sessions will be held during the completion of especially difficult units. Please check with me personally to arrange help sessions. Homework hotline operates from 5:00 to 8:30 at (404) 843-7700. It is a free service and a science teacher there can usually assist you with your homework questions.

Recovery Policy: FULTON COUNTY RECOVERY POLICY: (High School version)
Provision for Improving Grades
1. Opportunities designed to allow students to recover from a low
or failing cumulative grade will be allowed when all work required
to date has been completed and the student has demonstrated
a legitimate effort to meet all course requirements including
attendance.

Students should contact the teacher concerning recovery
opportunities. Teachers are expected to establish a reasonable
time period for recovery work to be completed during the
semester. All recovery work must be directly related to course
objectives and must be completed ten school days prior to the
end of the semester.

2. Teachers will determine when and how students with extenuating
circumstances may improve their grades.

CHATTAHOOCHEE HIGH SCHOOL RECOVERY GUIDELINES:
Recovery is available to students with a cumulative grade below 74% after a minimum of two (2) major grades. The maximum grade a student can earn for a recovery activity is 70%. There will be only one recovery opportunity per failed major assignment or test. The individual teacher will determine the means of recovery. THE STUDENT MUST INITIATE THE PROCESS WITHIN FIVE (5) DAYS OF NOTIFICATION OF A FAILING GRADE ON A MAJOR ASSIGNMENT/TEST.

Honor Code Policy: The honor code policy will be strictly enforced. Any act of cheating “either by giving or receiving, in any form, information relating to the graded experience, either inside or outside of class.” An honor code violation “may be used by the faculty in making future recommendations, specifically membership in honor clubs such as Beta Club and the National Honor Society. Your parents will be informed of the violation and you will receive a grade of zero.
Students may be asked to submit certain assignments through an internet program called TurnItIn.com. This program gives students the opportunity to review their own writing and correct possible plagiarism errors, thereby not violating the Honor Code.

Technology Code of Ethics: According to the Fulton County Schools policy, “students shall not alter or attempt to alter school or private property including technology hardware and software.” This includes: (a) changing desktop settings or control panels (b) removing or damaging mouse tracking balls, keys, cables, connectors, network jacks, or any other hardware (c) modifying computer software (d) damaging computer discs, CD-ROMS, or other media.

Classroom Behavior: In order for successful learning to take place, you are expected to behave in a manner that will not disrupt the class. You are required to follow all the classroom rules and to respect the consequences when you do not.
1. Bring all of your materials to class DAILY including paper, pen/pencil, and textbook.
2. Have your homework, textbook, and notebook out on your desk when class
begins.
3. Be respectful of others.
4. Follow all school rules as outlined in the student handbook.

**Failure to follow classroom procedure will result in a private detention, phone call of your parents, and/or a trip to the appropriate administrator.